Chinese electric truck startup Zeron has raised 500 million yuan ($69 million) in a Series A funding round led by investors including Momenta, a domestic leader in AI-powered autonomous driving technology. The funding will support Zeron’s plans to scale production of its electric heavy-duty trucks and accelerate development of its in-house autonomous driving platform.
Founded in April 2022 by former executives of TuSimple and Sany Truck, Zeron has already delivered nearly 700 units of its Jingzhe and Xiaoman models. The company, which currently employs about 200 people, focuses on integrating intelligent technologies into its electric heavy goods vehicles, including powertrain systems, thermal management, electronic architectures, and AI-based connectivity solutions.
As of the funding announcement, Zeron reports its vehicles have collectively travelled more than 25 million kilometres. The company is targeting deliveries of 1,500 electric trucks in 2025, while also developing its proprietary autonomous driving system, ZSD.
“Zeron’s commitment to next-generation electric and intelligent trucking aligns closely with our vision for future mobility,” said Cao Xudong, CEO of Momenta. “Huang’s keen foresight into advanced technologies and deep respect for science and technology have reinforced my confidence in Zeron,” he added, referring to Zeron co-founder Huang Zhehua, a former co-founder of TuSimple.
The Jingzhe model is equipped with a 385 kWh lithium iron phosphate (LFP) battery and boasts a peak output of 630 kW. It can be recharged from 20% to 80% in under 35 minutes using dual charging ports. The Xiaoman, with a 350 kWh battery and 480 kW output, charges to the same level in under 50 minutes. Despite its 10.16-tonne unladen weight, the Jingzhe is claimed to be up to two tonnes lighter than many rival models, according to the company.
Momenta’s investment marks its first significant move into the heavy-duty commercial vehicle space, having previously focused on autonomous systems for passenger cars. The company recently signed a partnership with BMW to integrate its driver-assist technologies into the German automaker’s upcoming electric lineup in China.
Zeron’s partnership with Momenta signals growing convergence between electric and autonomous technologies in China’s commercial vehicle sector, as startups look to capture a share of the evolving logistics and freight markets.
